Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1127413
S2 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 JUNE 2019 SHIPPING & LOGISTICS THE M/V Maria Grazia Ono- rato arrived at Valletta port on her maiden call looking to become the "bridge" between Malta and Italy providing strong foundations upon which to build stronger synergies be- tween the two economies. The M/V Maria Grazia Ono- rato which is the flagship of the Onorato Group - com- prising the Tirrenia and Moby fleets - is the largest operating ro-ro type of vessel being the greenest within its category equipped with latest genera- tion scrubbers. Built in the German drydocks of Flensburg, the vessel is des- tined to create a real revolution on the most important route of the Motorways of the Seas connecting the ports of Genoa, Livorno, Catania and Valletta: her garage decks have a capac- ity of 4,200 linear metres of cargo making available an ex- ceptional loading capacity for trailer operators and Maltese businesses. With the M/V Maria Grazia Onorato, which will join the other vessels already operat- ing on the same route, Tirrenia will strongly increase its prod- uct-offering also guaranteeing frequency and reliability in a fast growing market. "Tirrenia, with this ship," stated Alessan- dro Onorato, vice president and commercial director of the group, "will provide the best service for the country in terms of service offering, reliability and punctuality". The ceremony for the maiden voyage and exchange of crests was attended by various repre- sentatives of the Maltese Gov- ernment including the Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne, The Minister of Transport Ian Borg, the Minister of Tourism Konrad Mizzi and Members of the Onorato Family who are cur- rently focusing on huge invest- ment plans which include new ships within both the ro-ro cargo and ferry-passengers sectors. "Our relationship with Malta," concluded Alessandro Onorato, "keeps growing stronger day-by- day thanks to a long-standing tradition of reliability, efficiency and most importantly friend- ship. The M/V Maria Grazia Onorato will continue to build on such relations which will help in growing economic activities between Malta and Italy. To- gether with our Maltese part- ners, we will continue striving to remain market leaders in the years to come." Tirrenia has been proudly rep- resented locally since the 1960s by S. Mifsud & Sons ltd (SMS) who are the main point of refer- ence for local clients' require- ments. The 'Maria Grazia Onorato' A bridge between Italy and Malta